The Public Theatre News

Life Force Arts, Inc. has announced it will stage WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST, Theresa Rebeck's ever-timely and relevant comedy / drama which examines the intricacies of wage equality and gender roles in the workplace.  The production will run just as the 2016 Presidential debates and ensuing election are underway. Lorca Peress will direct the production that runs October 21 - October 29 at the June Havoc Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, first floor.

Life Force Arts, Inc. has announced it will stage WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST, Theresa Rebeck's ever-timely and relevant comedy / drama which examines the intricacies of wage equality and gender roles in the workplace.  The production will run just as the 2016 Presidential debates and ensuing election are underway. Lorca Peress will direct the production that runs October 21 - October 29 at the June Havoc Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, first floor.

George Street Playhouse today announced the cast of Rob Urbinati's Mama's Boy, which runs October 18 through November 6 at the New Brunswick theatre. Betsy Aidem (Broadway's All the Way, GSP's God of Carnage) stars as Marguerite Oswald, the headstrong mother of Lee Harvey Oswald, played by Michael Goldsmith (TV's Doctor Who, Gotham). 

Playwright Robert O'Hara's BARBECUE deservedly earned a rousing reception (and standing ovation) from The Geffen Playhouse's enthusiastic opening night audience September 14.  BroadwayWorld and I had a chance to chat with O'Hara's frequent collaborator, actor/playwright/director Colman Domingo a few days after his directorial success.

For the first time in history,an American President is on trial for crimes against the world.

On the heels of joining Playwrights Horizons Resident Company Program, Musical Theatre Factory (MTF), under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Shakina Nayfack, has announced its first full season of programming since its founding in January 2014.

In response to popular demand, The Pearl Theatre Company extends Shelagh Delaney's A Taste of Honey to October 30. Directed by Austin Pendleton, this production marks the play's first New York revival in 35 years.

HAMILTON creator and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda and Miguel Cervantes, who will take on the role of Alexander Hamilton in Chicago beginning Sept. 27, grace the cover of the October Issue of Chicago Magazine.

Algonquin Theater Productions and Jason Hewitt welcome Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Lysistrata Jones, Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Mel Johnson Jr. (Jekyll & Hyde, Hot Feet, The Lion King, Big Deal, The Rink, Eubie!, On the Twentieth Century), and James Ludwig (Spamalot, Little Shop of Horrors) for the world premiere of ON THE RAILS, a new musical with book by Tony Sportiello (Second Chance, National Pastime), music and lyrics by Al Tapper (Sessions, An Evening at the Carlyle), arrangements and musical direction by David Wolfson, and directed by Misti B. Wills (In Search of Euphoria).

In its first season in residency at Playwrights Horizons, Musical Theatre Factory, under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Shakina Nayfack, announces a concert version of Barrington Stage Company's critically acclaimed production, BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER.

The award-winning theater company Isle of Shoals Productions presents OCCUPATION: DRAGONSLAYER, a musical tale of 9/11, retold for the 15th anniversary. The musical is conceived and written by Bryan Williams and the late Lance Hewett, with music and lyrics by Williams. The production is directed by Stephen Ryan, who had a first-hand experience as a member of rescue and recovery team at Ground Zero. OCCUPATION: DRAGONSLAYER will begin previews tonight, September 8th, open today, September 15th, and play a limited engagement through September 25th. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

The Lark named five New York City-based playwrights as Rita Goldberg Playwrights' Workshop Fellows for the 2016-17 season. The group spans a wide range of backgrounds and professional experiences and will meet regularly throughout the year to develop new plays.

INTAR has announced that the 2016-'17 Season will kick off with the world premiere of THE MAIDS by Jose Rivera, adapted from the play by Jean Genet.  Daniel Irizarry directs a cast that features Laura Butler Rivera, Daniel Irizarry, Charlie Munn, Casey Robinson, and Folami Williams with Special Appearance by Jose Rivera (September 29 to October 9th only). 

The Pearl Theatre Company presents A Taste of Honey by Shelagh Delaney. Directed by Tony-nominee Austin Pendleton, the production, running tonight, September 6, through October 16, marks the first Off-Broadway revival of this landmark play in 35 years.

Connecticut has almost an embarrassment of riches when it comes to seasoned performers who settle here while still finding opportunities to act close to home as well as in New York and Hollywood. One of our favorite couples is Beau and Debbie Gravitte (nee Shapiro), who add so much professionally to venues such as The Ridgefield Playhouse. If you are not from Connecticut, you ought to understand that The Ridgefield Playhouse is one of those places that are very special to performers as well as audiences. It is not a glorified school auditorium, but a professional venue with seating up to 500 people for film, theatre, and concerts with appearances from nationally popular, award winning performers and directors. The Gravittes' unwavering commitment to the playhouse and to the Ridgefield area is remarkable.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents "A House of Glass" in concert on Monday September 12, 2016 at 7 PM. Broadway's Joshua Morgan (Les Mis), Lawrence Clayton (The Color Purple), Leah Horowitz (Follies), Jelani Remy (The Lion King), Austin Colby (The Sound of Music), Theresa McCarthy (Floyd Collins) and Megan Kane take part in a one night only concert version of this exciting new musical!

Yale Repertory Theatre, celebrating 50 years of daring artists, bold choices, and adventurous audiences, presents the world premiere of Scenes from Court Life, or the whipping boy and his prince by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Mark Wing-Davey, September 30-October 22 at Yale University Theatre (222 York Street). Opening Night is Thursday, October 6.

Bristol Riverside Theatre opens its 30th Anniversary Season with A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline by Dean Regan on September 27-October 16.

HAMILTON star and Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. returned to his native Queens, NY to perform a special duet with cultural legend Phil Collins during last night's Opening Night Ceremony for the 2016 US Open.

Molasses in January is a fun, new musical for all ages! Book, lyrics, and music by Francine Pellegrino, the recently workshopped show is being transferred to The Davenport Theatre Off Broadway. Director Whitney Stone will be returning to the production after directing it's two developmental workshops last fall at the Times Square Arts Center.